The Musco Youth Sports Exchange returns for its second year, welcoming a 13-and-under softball team from Shanghai, China, to Oskaloosa, Iowa, the week of July 12. In August, a team of 13-and-under baseball players from the Oskaloosa area will travel to Montigny and Toulouse, France, for a week of games and cultural connection.
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The Musco Youth Sports Exchange started in 2025, when Oskaloosa, Iowa, area softball players traveled to Shanghai, China to build connections through sport with China softball players.
Musco Director of Europe, Middle East, & Africa Chris Limpach said, “These exchanges give kids the chance to grow through sports, build friendships, and learn respect for one another.”
The softball exchange includes the Beisibao U13 team, along with representatives from the Shanghai Baseball and Softball Association, the Shanghai Friendship Association, and the Shanghai Sports Federation. They’ll spend nine days in Iowa competing, connecting with local players, and experiencing the community.
This summer also marks the debut of the baseball exchange, expanding the program’s global reach. Oskaloosa and surrounding area athletes will travel abroad to compete and build friendships with French baseball teams for nine days.
The program began in 2025, when more than 100 youth from China and the United States gathered in Shanghai. Along with games, athletes shared daily experiences—from meals and sightseeing to simple bonding activities – creating lasting connections. One Iowa participant said, “It was an unforgettable experience that inspired me to keep playing and explore new places.” Another added, “Despite cultural differences, we realized we experience life in many of the same ways.”
Supported by local families, volunteers, and organizations, the Musco Youth Sports Exchange continues to grow, offering young athletes meaningful opportunities for competition, connection, and cultural understanding. As Musco celebrates 50 years, the Youth Sports Exchange underscores its longstanding commitment to youth in sports and builds momentum toward a lasting annual tradition.
About Musco Lighting
For more than 50 years, Musco has specialized in sports and large area lighting and technology, providing innovative solutions for projects in more than 135 countries. With headquarters in Oskaloosa, Iowa, Musco has more than 2,100 team members across the state, the USA and the world including Australia, Canada, China, Cyprus, Germany, Mexico, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom. Musco has a longstanding commitment to supporting youth recreation through partnerships with organizations including Little League Baseball and Softball, the USA Soccer Foundation, the Caitlin Clark Foundation, the Gaelic Athletic Association, the Shanghai Baseball and Softball Association, and others. These opportunities bring kids together and give them an opportunity to experience the lessons learned through sport. To learn more, visit www.musco.com.
Softball Game Schedule
Sunday, July 12: 5 p.m. at the Fareway Fields, Norwalk, Iowa
Monday, July 13: 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at the Lacey Sports Complex – Field 1, Oskaloosa, Iowa
Tuesday, July 14: 9:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. at the Lacey Sports Complex – Field 1, Oskaloosa, Iowa
Wednesday, July 15: 9:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. at the Lacey Sports Complex- Field 1, Oskaloosa, Iowa
Thursday, July 16: 9:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. at the Lacey Sports Complex – Field 1, Oskaloosa, Iowa
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